News Summary
Spartanburg County is experiencing a measles outbreak with confirmed cases at Global Academy and Fairforest Elementary. Health officials are taking precautionary measures, including excluding potentially exposed students from in-person classes. The outbreak has raised concerns about low vaccination rates in the area, highlighting the importance of vaccinations in preventing such incidents. The community is being informed through ongoing updates from the Department of Public Health.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Two schools in Spartanburg County, Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary School, are currently managing confirmed cases of measles, as an outbreak expands in the region. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has reported seven confirmed measles cases linked to this outbreak since September 25, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in South Carolina to ten since July 9.
Health officials are collaborating closely with school administrators at both institutions to implement precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding students, teachers, and staff members. These measures include identifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Students who are deemed to be potentially exposed will be excluded from school activities until the risk of disease transmission has passed.
In a statement regarding the outbreak, Spartanburg County School District Six clarified that the outbreak did not originate at Fairforest Elementary; however, they have reported three confirmed cases associated with the school. As a precaution, District Six has temporarily excluded all unvaccinated students from in-person instruction through October 22, allowing these students to continue their education virtually during this period.
Parents of students at Fairforest Elementary have voiced concerns regarding the outbreak but have been reassured by the measures taken by the school. Dr. Linda Bell, the state epidemiologist, indicated that while some of the measles cases in South Carolina are linked to travel, others suggest that community transmission may be occurring.
The outbreak highlights low vaccination rates in Spartanburg County, which have been identified as contributing factors to the spread of the virus in the community. The Upstate region of South Carolina is currently noted for having the lowest vaccination rates in the state. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recognized as highly effective, achieving approximately 97% effectiveness when two doses are administered.
Measles is known to be highly contagious, with the ability to remain active in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a location. This situation has resulted in significant disruptions in education, with students across South Carolina facing remote schooling due to ongoing exposures to measles. The DPH has established a dedicated webpage to keep the public informed about the ongoing measles outbreak, offering regular updates.
On a national scale, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 1,563 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. in 2025. Many of these outbreaks have emerged domestically rather than originating from international travel. As the situation unfolds, public health officials continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing such outbreaks and protecting community health.
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Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
